December 18, 2024: Synchrony, a consumer financial services company and the largest provider of private-label credit cards in the U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to providing access and opportunity for all through two key education initiatives – ‘Digital Academy’ and ‘Path to Parity.’ With an aim to drive systemic change, these initiatives address the critical need for education and skill development among underserved communities, helping to create pathways to meaningful careers and economic independence.
Digital Academy
Synchrony has partnered with Capgemini to announce the launch of the first Digital Academy in Hyderabad, an initiative that provides advanced IT and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) training to youth from underprivileged, underrepresented, and economically challenged backgrounds.
Capgemini’s Digital Academy offers skill development programs in collaboration with partners such as Edubridge and NGOs like the Anirban Rural Welfare Society (ARWS). As part of this collaboration, Synchrony will co-create a curriculum that includes technical/non-technical and domain-specific training, alongside behavioral and life skills education, to better help prepare students for the modern workplace and to acquire the required skills to start their careers.
Chintan Chawla, Senior Vice President of global Operations Initiatives and Technology, at Synchrony, said, “As we launch the first Digital Academy in Hyderabad, we are excited to bring our expertise in technology and skills development to the partnership. Together with Capgemini, we look forward to making a lasting impact, providing access to training, and fostering long-term growth for communities across India.”
“At Capgemini, we believe quality education and skill development drive social and economic empowerment. Our partnership with Synchrony to launch the Digital Academy in Hyderabad makes advanced IT and BFSI training accessible to underprivileged youth. By blending technical, domain, and life skills in the curriculum, we aim to empower students for success in the modern workplace. This initiative reflects our commitment to digital inclusion and building brighter futures”, said Kumar Anurag Pratap, Vice-President, Corporate Social Responsibility, India, Capgemini.
The Digital Academy aligns with Synchrony’s broader “Education as an Equalizer” philanthropic initiative, which emphasizes expanding access to higher education, training in high-growth fields, and financial literacy for underserved populations. The insights from this initial launch will serve as a foundation for scaling the Digital Academy model in other cities across India.
Path to Parity
Synchrony’s Path to Parity initiative focuses on bringing industry leaders together to discuss parity issues of different dimensions of diversity. Now in its second year, it builds on the success of its inaugural initiative in 2023 by Synchrony’s tech team, which brought together some of the industry’s most influential personalities as they engaged in impactful discussions about the path to gender parity in the technology sector. It continues to serve as a forum for the organization’s Global Delivery Centers (GDC), industry leaders, and key partners to share best practices, collaborate on CSR initiatives, and advance inclusive growth. This year’s theme, “Equalizing through Education,” aims to break down barriers and provide equal access to educational and employment opportunities, with a particular emphasis on supporting underprivileged students in India.
Gaurav Sehgal, Senior Vice President, Human Resources – Asia, Synchrony said, “At Synchrony, we believe that education is the key to fostering a skilled, inclusive workforce that can lead future transformations in technology and industry. Path to parity is designed to accelerate the benefits of the digital and financial revolution for all, especially those traditionally excluded from such opportunities. We look forward to leveraging our partnerships and resources to make a tangible impact on educational access.”
With partners such as the NASSCOM Foundation, Synchrony aims to mobilize a network of leaders to drive collective change, ensuring that education remains a foundational element in the path toward a more equitable society. Path to Parity has already fostered transformative discussions and initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion, including in-person unconscious bias training and workshops on health, wellness, and financial literacy.